Lead story
Editor's note:
With church attendance falling, congregations often face tough decisions about their property. Large buildings may prove too much to keep up or simply don’t meet the faith community’s evolving needs.
Sometimes, the doors close and a "for sale" sign goes up. But other houses of worship are finding ways to repurpose their properties while still serving their mission – such as converting some of their space to affordable housing.
Nadia Mian, an urban planning expert, explains some of the creative approaches congregations have come up with: from tiny houses in Minnesota and restaurant job training in Washington, D.C., to an affordable housing co-op in Oregon.
Repurposing a house of worship, or part of one, takes time, money and specialized know-how. Plans for affordable housing can run into legal roadblocks or neighborhood opposition. But for these congregations, finding new ways to create housing is doing “God’s work” – under their own roof.
Religion News
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Ukraine's parliament approves ban on Moscow-linked religious groups. One church is seen as a target
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Commentary and Analysis
Marko Rupnik's art is on display in many churches. Should his paintings be removed in light of recent allegations? By Virginia Raguin for The Conversation
In asking how Buddhism gained such a vast material presence, the course helps students understand how a religion manages to survive over time. By Mitch Hendrickson for The Conversation
Keeping the United States together meant more than defeating the Confederacy. Lincoln first had to unite a fractured North. By Donald Nieman for The Conversation
A female president would confirm women’s true portrayal in our varied Scriptures. By Daisy Khan/Religion News Service
Men move a cremation tower containing the remains of 220 people during a traditional mass cremation called ''ngaben'' on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Manggis, Bali, Indonesia. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)
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